Introduction
An adolescent is a young person undergoing puberty but has not reached full maturity. There is no consensus about the age range that defines adolescence. Most people agree that adolescents include people aged 12-19 years (Whitlock, 2009). It is the stage between puberty and adulthood. Parents, therefore, have to pay a lot of attention to what happens to their teens during this particular stage. It is a period marked by a combination of physical, cognitive, and social changes during which serious life choices are made including occupational and life partners, which are likely to spur ‘identity crisis’.
Adolescent Play: Forms, Contexts, Benefits, and Perils
The development of adolescents into responsible adults can be nurtured through play. Adolescent play takes three forms: solitary play, parallel play, and group play. Solitary play involves the adolescent playing alone within the home setting, listening to sounds and exploring the environment without fellow age mates or older teens coming into picture. It aids in understanding of the environment without the assistance of others. Parallel play involves two or more adolescents playing in the same environment. However, each plays his/her game independent of the other. It is usually the first stage of interaction between adolescents. Group play involves a group of adolescents playing the same game with the involvement of everyone like jumping ropes, hide and seek, playing football, among others (Gentry & Campbell, 2002).
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Playing enables them spend their leisure without getting bored. It enables them exercise hence reduces health risks like obesity, and also keeps them engaged hence are not idle to easily trip into pitfalls, for example, drug and substance abuse. While interaction among peers through activities such as play should be encouraged, there are drawbacks that come with it. There is likelihood that one might learn negative behavior from peers, for example, sexual habits that are detrimental to their health, among others. Sumner (2006) warns that exploring one’s options for identity is associated with identity confusion, or feeling of a lack of certainty about one’s own identity.
Socio-Emotional and Future-focused Competencies Gained through Play
It has been observed that people who have committed to some aspects of search for identity tend to experience better self-esteem and life satisfaction with fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety (Sumner, 2006). This not only improves their life skills but also enable them to appreciate the values of associating with others. In addition, it promotes understanding of self weaknesses hence they are capable of making corrections of their unbecoming traits and make them aligned to the societal expectations especially for the people of their age (Whitlock, 2011). This particular stage also provides the opportunity for instilling desired values. According to Gentry & Campbell (2002), play assists adolescents in moral development where they are exposed to a set of values and ethical behavior. Adolescent’s cognitive development, in part, lays the ground for moral reasoning, honesty, and pro-social behaviors such as helping, volunteerism, or caring for others.
Contributions of Play in Psycho-social Development and the Search for Identity
The contribution of play in psycho-social development of adolescents cannot be underestimated. First, the participation in activities during play lays the foundation for the participation in community activities in adulthood as it inculcates the feelings of togetherness and team spirit in adolescents. Secondly, adolescents take various roles during play and in the process identify their strengths and weaknesses. This enables them identify their talents which they can help nurture into adulthood. Lastly, there is exchange of ideas between the adolescents themselves promoting competence in adulthood (Gentry & Campbell, 2002).
In conclusion, play among adolescents should be encouraged as its benefits outweigh the disadvantages. An adolescent will be much better in the world he operates in if he/she interacts with others through play.
References
Gentry, J., H. & Campbell, M (2002). A Reference for Professionals Developing Adolescents. American Psychological Association.
Sumner, R. (2006). “Who Am I?”- Identity Formation in Adolescence. Act for Youth Centre of Excellence.
Whitlock, J. (2011). Adolescent Emotional Development: Foundations for a Healthy Life. Act for Youth Centre of Excellence.
